Best Blended Learning Mixes
By Liz Wheeler
Best Blended Learning Mixes
Chief Learning Officer magazine recaps responses from 574 CLOs who gave their opinions on the best mix of blended learning techniques. More than half of the respondents said the lead trainer or learning department chose the blended methods. Only 14 percent said students entirely or mostly prescribed learning methods. Delivery methods were 36 percent classroom-based, 18 percent formal on-the-job training, and 15 percent asynchronous e-learning. Other methods available included synchronous e-learning, portable technology, satellite video broadcast, text-based training and other. Expected investment increases in e-learning and portable technology are planned by many in the next 12 to 18 months. The story also compares results to 2006 responses. The full story can be found at http://www.clomedia.com/content/templates/clo_article.asp?articleid=1857&zoneid=13.
How Much Should Trainers Charge?
TrainerBase in the United Kingdom is conducting their fourth survey on what rates trainers (not coaches) charge for design, discounts and international training. To participate in the survey, go to http://www.trainerbase.co.uk/go/rates07. If you are a training purchaser, you may email Peter Mayes directly to get a copy of the 2006 report at directors@girlingmayes.co.uk .
Persuasive Pitches—Learning From the Master
An article in Businessweek examines Steve Jobs’ introduction of the new iPhone at MacWorld in January—and culls five tips that will help make any pitch extremely persuasive. They are:
o Build tension
o Stick to one theme per slide
o Add pizzazz to your delivery
o Practice
o Be honest and show enthusiasm
The full article can be found at: http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jul2007/sb2007076_474371.htm.
Inefficient Meetings? Visitors Who Won’t Leave? BNET Has Answers
BNET is an online business network with many article resources from the BNET staff and readers. This week alone, I’ve received several timely articles and updates in my Inbox regarding successful-meeting planning complete with checklist (http://www.bnet.com/2410-13056_23-57051.html?promo=713&tag=nl.e713), ways to discourage distracting visitors (http://blogs.bnet.com/businesstips/?p=376) and how to get out of a meeting in a seemingly legitimate way (see story below). Another previous article gave me information on how to actually annotate websites with free Scrapbook software that works with the Firefox browser (which alone may convince me to switch browsers) so you can highlight the information you want to refer to without having to cut and paste into Word (http://blogs.bnet.com/businesstips/?p=311). And if you get “answering machine angst,” this site gives you information on how to re-record messages on cell phone and office voicemail systems (http://blogs.bnet.com/businesstips/?p=316). BNET is also in the EzineEditor’s http://del.icio.us bookmarks.
FakeCall
If you own a Palm Treo, you can buy FakeCall software (www.toysoft.ca) for under $7. When uploaded to your Treo, you can schedule a fake call ahead of time by using the Treo’s calendar. You can also program in what your Caller ID will read when the “call” is made and a voice track will play. Or, if you decide you need to escape suddenly, switch the Treo’s ringer off and on for a “call”. They have a trial download.
Have a resource or website you value? Find news we missed? Tell us what it is at EzineEditor@BobPikeGroup.com.
